Orthodox priests 'selling prayers', claims Russia's Patriarch Alexey [View All]

The Independent
By Andrew Osborn in Moscow
26 December 2004


Russia's "everything and everyone is for sale" culture has infected an unlikely and venerable institution - the Orthodox Church.

According to Patriarch Alexey II, head of the Russian Orthodox church, some priests have embraced Western-style capitalism with a little too much relish, and have gone as far as drawing up fixed-price lists for miscellaneous religious services such as christenings, blessings, confessions and prayers.

"I know of instances when priests have shown parishioners specific price lists," Patriarch Alexey told Moscow clergy just before Christmas. "For example, if asked to bless a new car, they take between one and five per cent of the purchase price."

Russia's churches and cathedrals were gradually being turned into commercial enterprises selling comfort for the soul to the highest bidder, the patriarch complained, obstructing the serious business of "saving people".

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